Before the end of April 400 junior specialists, which have undergone three-month training courses, will join Russian troops deployed in breakaway Abkhazia, according to a statement from Russia’s Southern Military District.

“For the purpose of staffing of the military base [in Abkhazia] well-trained technicians/drivers; gunner operators for T-90A tanks; commanders and technicians/drivers of Akatsia self-propelled howitzers and of Grad multiple rocket launchers; gunner operators for anti-tank complexes Shturm-S, as well as specialists for other types of army units and specialized troops will be sent,” reads the statement, posted on the Russian Defense Ministry’s website on April 19.

The same statement also says that in addition, 1,500 recruits, which are currently undergoing trainings at a firing range in the Republic of Adygea, southern Russia, will be sent for a service in the Russian military units deployed in Abkhazia.